Each year, millions of patients experience a case of pharyngitis (lar-in-gi-tis) due to an infection in the throat, nasal passages, or anywhere in the upper respiratory system. Pharyngitis, which is the medical term for sore throat, impacts nearly 20 million individuals each year and usually requires an immediate medical visit.

Sore throat is more likely to affect patients in the colder months of the year, like December to February, as more an more infectious diseases spread within local communities. Patients that have a sore throat will likely experience increased irritation of the throat and nasal passages.

So what can you do to identify sore throat symptoms and ensure that you are getting the treatment you need?

First, identify any potential sore throat causes and symptoms

Pharyngitis is caused by a variety of infections and other acute illnesses, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The types of infectious agents that can cause sore throat include viruses, bacteria, mononucleosis, and similar germs. These organisms can lead to sudden irritation and inflammation of the throat along with the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Swelling of the throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Redness of the throat
• Scratchy throat and difficulty chewing

If you’ve been around sick patients that have the flu, common cold, or other seasonal illness, then your chance of getting a sore throat greatly increases. Identify your symptoms and see if they directly affect your throat and upper respiratory system. If this is the case you likely have some form of pharyngitis.

Ease initial sore throat symptoms with at-home remedies

Sore throat symptoms can worsen without immediate medical intervention. Luckily, most patients can rely on at-home treatment options to ease their symptoms.

The Mayo Clinic suggests that patients with sore throat should get some rest by staying at home and relaxing. Adequate rest allows your throat to heal without furthering irritation.

Additional at-home treatment options that can help your sore throat improve include drinking plenty of fluids, eating warm liquid-based foods like soup, humidifying indoor air, and using over-the-counter medications.

Get sore throat treatment at urgent care

As sore throat symptoms continue to worsen it is likely that you’ll need urgent care treatment ASAP! At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, we provide sore throat treatment for patients that have advanced sore throat symptoms requiring professional medical treatment. We also pride ourselves on providing treatment at affordable rates with fast and efficient service!

Sore throat symptoms are manageable and treatable; take some time to treat emerging symptoms and then let your local urgent care center treat advanced sore throat conditions!